BALTIMORE – By the time the Yankees arrive in St. Petersburg Friday, they will have a better handle on whether outfielder David Dellucci will be healthy enough to be part of their postseason roster.

Dellucci has been on the DL since Aug. 28 with a sprained left ankle. He is taking part in a rehabilitation program in Tampa.

“I talked to Brian [Cashman] and things are getting better,” Joe Torre said before last night’s 13-1 victory over the Orioles at Camden Yards. “We will see at the end of the week. I don’t think he will need a whole lot to be ready, but this is an important week.”

Dellucci’s availability would give Torre another choice in right field, an outfielder he could use for defensive purposes and a pinch-runner. It also would allow Torre to carry 10 pitchers into October, something Torre has done every postseason. Last week, Torre toyed with the idea of carrying 11 pitchers if Dellucci can’t make it.

“Ten pitchers are ideal for us,” Torre said. “But you have to make sure the extra player can help you more than the 11th pitcher.”

If Dellucci is able to play, Jeff Weaver’s slim chances of making the roster for the ALDS are reduced further and Antonio Osuna likely will be left off. If Dellucci can’t make it, Torre could choose between Weaver and Osuna if he opts for 11 pitchers.

* Infielder Erick Almonte‘s left calf injury has progressed to the point where Torre believes he is available. Almonte, who was recalled from Columbus (Triple-A) Aug. 31, hasn’t appeared in a game since suffering the injury getting loose Sept. 3.

* Bernie Williams wasn’t in the lineup last night for the first time since Aug. 8. Williams wasn’t suffering from a physical problem, Torre just wanted to give his centerfielder a night off.

“He is taking a lot of grief [in the clubhouse],” Torre said of Williams, who wasn’t aware he wasn’t playing until he was informed by a reporter. “I don’t think the [5 1/2-game] lead has a lot do with it. I am hoping to get [Derek] Jeter a day this week, too.”